Test your flu shot facts

Think you know all there is to know about the upcoming flu season? How effective are vaccines? How else can you reduce your chances of contracting the flu? Test your knowledge against the CDC's flu facts and advice for protecting yourself.

1. About 60 percent of flu hospitalizations occur in which sector of the population? A. Children under 5 B. Seniors over 65 C. Emergency services personnel D. Pregnant women

2. A seasonal flu vaccination will ensure that you are safe from the H1N1 flu. True/False

4. Outside of getting vaccinated, what are the best ways to prevent spreading the flu? A. Thoroughly wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based anti-bacterial gel also works. B. Keep tissues handy and use them to cover your nose and mouth when you have to cough or sneeze. And trash the tissue afterwards! C. If you're sick, stay home. Limiting contact with others can help stop the spread of infection. D. All of the above.

5. What is NOT a common side effect of getting a flu shot? A. Temporary memory loss B. Low-grade fever C. Aches D. Soreness/swelling around the injection spot

ANSWERS:

1. Answer B. Seniors over the age of 65 are the most vulnerable to serious illness or even death from the flu. In case of vaccine shortages, seniors will be given first priority, along with children under 5.

2. False. Seasonal flu germs are different than the H1N1 strain, and the CDC is recommending a vaccination against both types. But because the new vaccine is still in development, the CDC will first release the shot to only the most vulnerable members of the population; they are unsure when the H1N1 shot will be available to all members of the public.

3. Answer D. In creating a new vaccine, each year scientists predict which types of flu viruses are most likely to spread and cause illness that season, and then combine those strains. When they are most successful with their predictions, the vaccine can reduce the chances of getting the flu by 70 to 90 percent in healthy adults.

4. Answer D. The CDC encourages everyone-including those who have been vaccinated-to help prevent the spread of flu by keeping your germs to yourself.

5. Answer A. Not all people receiving the vaccine will develop these minor flu-like symptoms, but those who do will only experience them in the first day or two after the shot.

Thanks for taking our quiz!

If you have other questions about getting your flu shot, ask a pharmacist or practitioner at any Pharmaca store.

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